Introduction to Central Florida Offshore Anglers

In 1983, John Conlon and Steve McElveen saw a need to start a fishing
club in the Central Florida area. Both felt a need as they fished the
coastal areas and found that many other anglers were from the Central
Florida area. However, unlike many of the ports, Central Florida did not
have a fishing club. So through their insight and the efforts of
Charlie Eby, Ray Stanton, Jim Neff, and Bill Matthews, Central Florida
Offshore Anglers was created.

After Several months of weekly meetings, visiting other clubs, selecting
a Board of Directors, and drafting by-laws they were able to finally
launch the organization on Monday, February 13, 1984 as a non-profit
corporation.

Since that date changes to the by-laws have occurred in an effort to
further promote saltwater angling for all ages and experience levels.
Some of the most notable were the beginnings of an inshore program in
1998 and a PeeWee and Senior's angling division in 2002.

With these changes to CFOA has still managed to keep the focus of the
founding members to be dedicated to creating new friendships by fishing
together, promoting conversation, planning fishing trips, and passing on
angling knowledge.

2014
promises to be another year with numerous activities planned including
club trips around Florida, several intra-club social tournaments, and
many sport fishing industry guest speakers and top anglers from Florida.

The club has many diverse members, both boat owners and non-boat owners,
proficient anglers and beginners alike from many different walks of
life that share the common bond of angling and enjoying the camaraderie
of great fishing experiences.

Mission Statement

Provide angling education and a forum to our members for promoting
family participation and friendly activities while respecting the need
to conserve our angling resources. Encourage and assist members to
promote sport fishing and expand the knowledge of others. Actively work
with others to protect our angling resources in Florida and the Atlantic
Coast.

Goal

To promote camaraderie and friendships within the membership and provide
tangible education for all anglers while encouraging active
participation by all members in CFOA activities.